‘Arya should skewer Ed Sheeran’: your verdict on the new Game of Thrones

With only two short seasons of Game of Thrones left, we’re back in Westeros for the final showdown for the Iron Throne. As the end approaches, we asked you to review the first episode of season seven. Here’s what you said.

‘Hopefully Arya will skewer Ed Sheeran’ – John Clair, Walthamstow

Apart from the mass slaughter of the Freys by Arya, it was a slowburner. Sam’s bit, while amusing, went on too long – but Jim Broadbent looks like he’ll be a great late addition to the cast. I really admire the decision to keep the scene in Dragonstone in silence until the end. I love this show, so in my view, it could only have been better if Ed Sheeran wasn’t there. They will hopefully rectify that by having Arya skewer him and Thomas Turgoose (the lad from This Is England) with Needle.

‘Sansa has come a long way’ – David, Birmingham

I love what I see so far! Sansa has noticeably come a long way from the little girl she was in season one. She is assertive, confident and hungry for power. There’s a nice line from Jon where he comments that she sounds as though she admires Cersei, and she responds that she learned a great deal from her. I have always liked the idea that Sansa has been learning from the beginning and I think it’s really going to show this season.

‘I would love Euron’s cruel arrogance to be burnt into oblivion by Drogon’ – Samreen, Watford

The opener was pretty mediocre. They need to set up the chessboard, though; the fun will start once all the pieces are in place. Still, the Hound’s compassion for the father and daughter was heartwarming. Special mention to Lady Mormont, who is awesome (please don’t kill her off – I don’t think any of us are prepared for that kind of heartbreak).And I hope Euron attempts to go after Drogon as the gift for Cersei. I would love his cruel arrogance to be burnt into oblivion.

‘Things need to speed up’ – Mert Kara, Munich, Germany

I have always loved Game of Thrones for its thorough character developments. Most of my friends criticise the show for non-fluidity and the lack of action the past couple of seasons. Though I enjoyed the brilliant dialogue and the care they’ve shown for strong character arcs in episode one, I really think things need to speed up. There was nothing here that defied expectations.

This did not feel like Game of Thrones to me. A lot of things – Clegane seeing visions in the fire, soldiers not harassing little girls – made it seem fake. With the exception of the very first scene, where Arya destroyed House Frey, a lack of action made this my least favorite episode. But hey, look on the bright side … it can only get better from here.

‘Soon we shall see who is the first to die’ – Ciaran Captain, Belfast

Sansa is clearly ready to dispose of Baelish and I await it with bated breath. Jon as always is the moral compass and although the show ruined the Umbers there is at least redemption in the form of young Ned. His name alone was a lovely touch. Jaime can already see his sister as the Mad Queen, and it is inevitable that his honour will win out. The episode itself was essentially an obscenely long trailer for the wars to come. The players are all in Westeros and we shall soon see who is the first to die.

‘The Hound epitomises the shades of grey the show is imbued with’ – Rachel Saunders, Nottingham

The Hound’s remorse brought a new side to a character who epitomises the shades of grey the show is imbued with. Sansa’s arguing with Jon, Lady Mormont’s putdown of Lord Glover, Gilly’s reading and Dany’s return also showed how the show is anchoring itself with the female protagonists. In all, this episode turned the wheel, with threads finally being stitched into place, all the pieces being aligned, and the final gilding of the story ready for the burn to the explosive climax.

‘Jaime may yet adapt his Kingslayer title to his sister’ – David Bergin, Sligo, Ireland

I feel the rift between Jon and Sansa is being extrapolated beyond what it actually is. They never really liked each other as kids, so why would they now? However, I feel Jon’s selfless determination for the good of men combined with Sansa’s intelligence in ignoring Littlefinger’s attempt at a silent coup will ensure neither Stark will go against one another. And Jaime may yet adapt his Kingslayer title to Queenslayer as his counsel to his sister falls on deaf ears.

An excellent episode … until the song. Really awful, unnecessary cameo by Ed Sheeran. The opening was a belter though! I really liked the friction between Jon and Sansa, plus she absolutely pulled Littlefinger’s pants down (not literally). But with only seven episodes, there isn’t much time for slowly positioning people – so the pace should pick up quickly.